now boarding...{Travel}

now boarding... by beautyparler featuring zara jacket

Working as a flight attendant I have witnessed quite a few interesting outfits. Gone are the days where passengers would wear their finest. Now, its all about comfort. Comfort works for me too but I 'm not going to wear pj's on a flight (yes I have seen the bedroom/dorm look on flights). This week I am off to Colombia for two weeks for a much needed vacation. I will be visiting; Medellin, Cartagena, and Santa Marta. When I travel as a passenger I have my "comfort look"; blazer, a much needed scarf, ballet flats. That's it! As I will be checking luggage for this trip, normally I do carry-on but for two weeks a girl could only carry so much. Must leave room for shopping!!
Another must is my Longchamp le pliage shoulder bag, perfect for travel as it folds up and is durable. Travel Shopping tip: pick one up at most duty-free shops in major airports, less expensive.
In terms of shoes, I always do a ballet flat. Easy to take off at security, comfortable and stylish. A dark jean or one of the newest colourful jeans for Summer is perfect for a long flight.
For luggage, I love me a Samsonite luggage. Good warranty & I've never had a problem with any of mine. And I love passport covers; keeps your passport new!
What is your wardrobe staples for a flight? Any favourite luggage? Do you check luggage or do carry-on?

Summer Melt-Down SOS Series {Bacne}

With the Summer heat comes unwelcomed bacne, back pimples. For a mild case here is an easy Summer Melt-down S.O.S solution. First, what is causing the bacne? If you don't normally get bacne in other seasons than the Summer heat can be the culprit. Sweating and not wearing breathable clothing, thick sunscreens + sweating at the beach or playing outdoor sports, and a common cause in all Seasons is hair conditioner not washed off probably in the shower.

bacne Summer SOS by beautyparler featuring Huit one piece swimsuits

LUSH Ocean Salt
Scrubs are a girl's best friend in Summer. One of my favourites is LUSH Ocean Salt; sea salt, avocado, coconut, lime and vodka. The latter two ingredients are antibacterial which is key in getting rid of blackheads and clogged pores. Use this in the shower all over your back!

LUSH Tea Tree Water
After drying off spritz your back with this LUSH Tea Tree Water toner, let dry before you get dress. No alcohol in this toner only tea tree oil, grapefruit, and juniper. Also feels refreshing! I use this on my face too in the Summer.

If your bacne is moderate to severe, use a body wash first that contains salicylic acid of atleast 2% or higher and wash after you rinse your hair conditioner.
Do you get bacne in the Summer?

Backstage with NARS Cosmetics at the Paris Spring 2013 Couture Show

Lead makeup artist Christophe Danchaud created the looks for the Bouchra Jarra Spring 2013 Couture Collection in Paris. Danchaud used the NARSskin and spring 2013 products to create a "glowing, radiant, complexion with a pop of bold colour weaved throughout the runway."

NARS products used:

COMPLEXION

·         NARSskin Optimal Brightening Concentrate (New for Fall 2012!)

FACE

·         Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer

·         Sheer Glow Foundation

·         Copacabana Multiple

·         Gina Blush

·         Luster Blush

EYES

·         Alhambra Duo Eyeshadow

·         Calabria Soft Touch Shadow Pencil

·         Thunderball Single Eyeshadow

·         Persia Single Eyeshadow (New for Spring 2013!)

LIPS

·         Dressed to Kill Lipstick (New for Spring 2013!)

·         Caramel Concealer (used as lipstick)

·         Dolce Vita Velvet Matte Lip Pencil

·         Jungle Red Lip Liner Pencil

·         Red Square Velvet Matte Lip Pencil

·         Dragon Girl Velvet Matte Lip Pencil

Love the freshness & peaches and cream feel of the makeup.

(images: courtesy of JaneGillPr)

a market walk in Edmonton {Travel Tuesday}

There's nothing better than being on a work layover and discovering street markets in the city I am visiting. Eating organic fruits, shopping locally, and chit-chatting with locals is always fun! And the best way to discover a new place.

locally grown fruit & vegetables...yummy!

clothes made locally

a great Olive Oil & Vinegar store & tasting bar off the market, Evoolution

purchased Herbs de Provence Olive Oil & Red Apple Balsamic Vinegar

When you travel do you visit the local markets?

Rainbow Bright Jeans {Summer 2012}

rainbow bright jeans by beautyparler featuring high rise skinny jeans

Being a blue-jean kinda gal I am thrilled that coloured jeans are in style. The versatility is endless, perfect for those chilly Summer nights paired with fabulous heels.

Anyone else wearing bright coloured jeans this Summer 2012? Which are your favourite brand of jeans? I'm still a big fan of good old Levis jeans.

Mr & Mrs Newlywed photo session {teasers}

Last week I had my newlywed photo session, a.k.a engagement pictures, that were never taken before the wedding due to scheduling. Well, the fabulous Clint from Renaissance Studios was quick to send over a few teaser pictures that I am over the moon about!

Once I get the rest of the images I will be posting on Bonita Bride, which I plan to be closing down in the next couple of months as all things wedding are coming to a close.
Where did you have your engagement pictures taken? Or where would you have them taken?
(images: Renaissance Studios)

U.K Beauty Buys {Travel Tuesdays}

Of course working as a flight attendant has many perks but my favourite is being able to purchase hard to find beauty products and discovering new beauty brands. On my latest London layover stopped into Boots Pharmacy and Selfridges for a little beauty therapy.

Of course picked up a few magazines;
Vogue UK edition August 2012
Living Etc August 2012
Glamour UK edition August 2012 (came with a free sample of Balance Me Moisturizer)

Beauty:
real Techniques by Samantha Chapman Core Collection Makeup Brushes (one of my favourite Pro Makeup Artists along with her sister Nic on Youtube)
Boots 17 Hide Away Concealer Stick in shade Medium
This Works Perfect Look Skin Miracle tinted moisturizer
Cath Kidston Makeup Bag

And one store I love stopping by the Food Hall is Marks & Spencer

Yummy!!

What are your favourite foreign brand beauty buys?

Summer Melt-Down SOS Series {CoverFX Giveaway}

How to keep your makeup from melting off this Summer? By following these simple melt-down S.O.S steps from CoverFX;
STEP 1

 BritePrep FX Brightening Foundation Primer ($45)

·         Provides instant skin brightening effects and blurs the appearance of fine lines and pores

·         Facilitates foundation blending and extends wear

·         Bearberry Extract: Anti-UV, lightens brown spots to even and brighten skin tone

·         SPF 50

STEP 2

SkinTint FX Treatment and Tinted Moisturizer ($39)

 Winner will have their choice of shade!

·         Oil free, paraben free and water-resistant formula

·         Contains skin repairing ingredients, anti-aging, skin firming and anti-wrinkle technology

·         Bisabolol; the main active ingredient of the chamomile plant, anti-inflammatory, to protect and reduce skin irritation and sensitivity

·         SPF 30

STEP 3

Bronzed FX Mineral Bronzing Powder ($28) available in 5 shades 

Winner will receive BRONZE shade

·         Creates an instant sun-kissed appearance on the face and body

·        Highlighting or all-over bronzer to achieve a sun-kissed glow without damaging UV exposure

·         Ideal for all skin types

STEP 4

MintTint FX Tinted Anti-aging Lip Glaze ($22) available in 6 shade

Winner will receive CORAL CHABLIS

·         Moisturizing lip treatment and primer. Protective, fortifying and refreshing

·         Lip Fill Technology, a blend of peptides and hyaluronic acid improves collagen synthesis and provides time released hydration

These easy fool-proof steps are so easy any beauty can do it! Hot Summer days mean less makeup because nobody loves the feel of makeup in humid weather.
One Winner will receive all 4 products!
Open to residents of Canada and the U.S
GOODLUCK!!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Mr & Mrs Newlywed Photoshoot {makeup breakdown}

If you follow my other blog Bonita Bride, you already know that I recently had a newlywed photoshoot. Newlywed photoshoot? The husband and I due to scheduling conflicts never had our engagement pictures taken. Nine months later, we had the photoshoot and can't wait to see the outcome. Originally I booked makeup artist Joy from Joy of Makeup for the shoot, however due to scheduling conflicts on her part she had to cancel last minute. No worries!!
Owning too much makeup for one person I knew I had the right tools and products; no need to panic but I also don't wear as much as I did in my twenties so I was a bit rusty with creating the perfect neutral smokey eye. Thankfully, like an old artist the skills were still there. Having done makeup for friends in my teens and twenties for their proms and parties I knew that I could do it but I had some doubt! Once I see the pictures they will tell the truth!

Do you use a makeup artist for special photoshoots? Or are you adventurous to do your own makeup?

Here's the breakup of the makeup used;

Mr&Mrs photoshoot by beautyparler

NARS Bronzing Powder in shade Laguna
One of my favourite bronzers for photography as very little shimmer in product. Perfect for contouring,    not too dark and compliments my olive/yellow tone skin.

Vasanti Cosmetics Tinted Lipbalm in shade Bahamas
Gorgeous shade for photos! Your lips but better shade. Nourishing, hydrated lips look natural in pictures!

Anastasia Beverly Hills Eye Lights Pencil Matte Highlighter
Flesh tone pencil for inner rim of eyes, perfect to make your eyes not only look bigger but brighter! The best trick you could use in photography!

Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips Custom Enhancing Eyeliner Trio
Used the black in the trio set, perfect matte creamy pencil that doesn't smudge. 

NYX Cosmetics Mega Shine Lipgloss in shade French Kiss 
Perfect shimmery bubble-gum gloss applied just in center of lips to add a more of a sexy full lip illusion. 

Urban Decay Primer Potion
Not being one to use eyeshadow primer on a daily basis however gives a good base for powder eyeshadow to adhere to.

Naked Palette Eyeshadow Palette
The must-have neutral eyeshadow palette that every woman should own. Long-lasting, mix of matte and shimmer eyeshadows. Gorgeous colours!

Eve Pearl Blush Trio Sassy Cheeks in shade Medium
Eve Pearl Cosmetics is an awesome line for photography. The colours are vivid, long-lasting, and this trio in particular is matte so great for photos.

Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Concealer in shade Medium
Not being a fan of liquid concealers in the past because of creasing. However, been using this liquid concealer for the last few months. Doesn't crease, the perfect shade, long lasting! 

CHANEL ProLumiere in shade #30
This Chanel foundation is discountinued but if you can find it on ebay from a reputable seller GET IT, the best finish and most natural in pictures. I used this for my wedding pictures too! Slightly dewy finish but not oily looking on skin.

Physicians Formula CoverToxTen50 Wrinkle Formula Face Powder
Used in the t-zone area to keep area from looking shiny in pictures. Nice finish and doesn't look powdery.

Marcelle Xtension Plus Mascara
I love that this mascara gives me lush, thick lashes! All that a gal needs!

Natural Eyebrows: Milani Brow Tint Pen

True story: the other day my husband said, "Oh I didn't know you use marker on your eyebrows?" and no he wasn't referring to my newest favourite eyebrow product. It was my old favourite Maybelline Brow Pencil, which I still love but I used a heavy-hand that day. Anyhow, I corrected him and told him its makeup not marker. Well, little did I know that a "marker" looking product is on the market. Milani Brow Tint Pen is the newest addition to my brow product family. This cute easy to use, non-messy product is the most natural brow product I've used.

Milani Brow Tint Pen in Dark Brown

Not being a fan of obvious drawn-in brows I love the look of the Milani, looks completely natural.

Milani is fairly new in the Canadian market, slowly I've been finding their collection at select stores around the Toronto area. I purchased the above at Loblaws.

Have you tried Milani Cosmetics? Any favourites?

(image: product shot from milanicosmetics.com)